What Happens at my Eye Referral Appointment?

A first appointment with Hayley usually takes 45-60 minutes. At the start of your appointment and whilst your pet is acclimatising to the examination room, Hayley will ask you about your pet’s history – what other conditions are being treated, any allergies, a little about lifestyle etc. How long your pet has had eye problems and what treatment they are currently receiving is also important. Please bring any medications currently in use to your appointment.

Your pet’s eyes will be examined in the light and in a darkened room with a variety of specialised equipment, much like a human eye test. Hayley usually evaluates vision first before a more detailed examination of the eyes.  A selection of lenses and an ophthalmoscope will be used to check the back of the eye (retina, optic nerve, retinal blood vessels and vitreous) before a slit lamp biomicroscope will be used to examine the front of the eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, anterior chamber and lens). The production of tears and pressure within each eye will be measured and special stains may be used to highlight lesions on the cornea if relevant. 

Sometimes it is necessary to dilate your pet’s pupils to assist in examination and this can take an additional 20-40 minutes. 

Some or all of these tests may be repeated at follow-up appointments to evaluate progress. 

Photographs may be taken of your pet’s eyes to document changes and assist Hayley in explaining her findings to you. 

The results of the consultation, treatment options and prognosis will be discussed with you and a written report will be sent to your usual vet with any test results.

If you feel that it is likely that your pet will become nervous in the dark, or with a detailed and close-up examination of their face, please warn Hayley before your examination starts for your own and her safety.